Get ready to glow as experts say airbrush skin will be summer's top beauty trend

Daily Mirror

04-05-2025

The 'clean girl' aesthetic is amplified as airbrushed skin is set to be summer's biggest beauty trend. Master the flawless, natural glow this season by following the basics of skincare
With summer fast approaching, a new beauty trend is emerging, and it's all about skin that looks so flawless, it could have been filtered. Say hello to airbrush skin, the look that's about to dominate beaches, festivals and brunch dates alike.
Airbrush makeup has long been a favourite for brides and special occasions, thanks to its ability to last for hours and withstand the elements. Now, beauty lovers everywhere are taking those same techniques into their everyday routines.
‌
Celebrity make-up artist, Sarah-Jane Froom, who has worked with the likes of Naomi Campbell and Alexa Chung, explains it's all about gradually building layers with your make-up. Sarah-Jane tells the Mirror: "In 2025, airbrushed skin is taking centre stage in the UK beauty scene. This is a trend focused on creating a flawless, softly perfected skin with a refined, natural finish."
‌
The airbrushed skin effect isn't about heavy coverage or a full-face of thick foundation. Instead, it's about achieving a smooth, even, and luminous complexion that still looks natural and fresh. It's your skin, but perfected.
Sarah-Jane emphasises the importance of using lightweight products when going for the airbrushed look, saying: "It's all about incredibly lightweight layers built gradually to smooth and enhance the complexion, rather than mask it. It's making our skin look filtered in real life! It's luminous, lifted, and you can't see it! Whether you're using high-end or high-street products, this trend is made in the technique, and that starts with the right products, application techniques and tools."
American actress Brooke Shields is one of many celebrities who have adopted the airbrushed look as part of her "less is more" beauty philosophy. She uses a Mineral Air tool to apply a carefully mixed foundation, ensuring a light yet even base. She then blends it out with a brush, adding just a touch of concealer under the eyes to finish.
Dr. Helena McMahon, Founder of SEABODY, explains how the first step to achieve 'airbrush skin' is prioritising skincare. Dr McMahon says: 'The 'airbrush skin' trend reflects a growing consumer awareness of skin texture and light reflection, both of which are fundamentally influenced by skin health."
Detailing the importance of maintaining a good skincare routine to achieve a flawless complexion, Dr McMahon says: "The skin appears plumper, more uniform, and naturally luminous, providing the ideal canvas for makeup to deliver that flawless, 'airbrushed' effect.'
‌
How to achieve airbrush skin
Skin preparation is absolutely essential if you want your makeup to glide on like a dream. While regular exfoliation helps remove dry patches and fine facial hair, both of which can cause foundation to cling unevenly. Smooth skin is the first secret to a flawless finish.
Once your skin is exfoliated, hydration is key. Take a few extra minutes to let your serums and moisturisers sink in properly before layering your make-up. A good little tip is to press, rather than rub, products into your skin to encourage better absorption and a more polished base.
When it comes to applying foundation, lightweight formulas are the stars of the show. Whether you use an airbrush tool or a buffing brush, the aim is to even out the skin tone without masking your natural texture. Think of it as evening out, not covering up.
‌
Cream products are the next step to building that soft, glowy dimension. Applying cream blush, bronzer, or highlighter first, and then lightly dusting over matching powders, helps to 'lock in' colour while maintaining that dreamy, blurred effect.
Setting sprays have also become a non-negotiable part of the summer beauty routine. A few spritzes can help to hold your makeup in place through humidity, heat, and even the occasional impromptu pool party.
‌
For those who want to go the extra mile, setting powder applied with a diamond-shaped puff can make all the difference. Focus on areas where makeup tends to crease, such as around the nose and under the eyes, to achieve a truly airbrushed finish.
The key to nailing the look is a light touch, especially with powder. Overloading can lead to a dry, cakey appearance, which is the opposite of the smooth, hydrated skin that defines this trend.
Ultimately, the airbrush skin trend is about celebrating skin rather than masking it. It's a more polished version of the 'clean girl' aesthetic, with a little more technical know-how behind the scenes.
With just a few tweaks to your routine and a little patience with your prep work, achieving airbrushed perfection is well within reach this summer. Get ready to glow.